Aston Villa are closing in on Nicolo Zaniolo and is confident of convincing the 24-year-old playmaker to join them over other suitors.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Aston Villa are the favourites to sign Nicolo Zaniolo in the coming days. Unai Emery continues to push to sign the 24-year-old playmaker after losing Emi Buendia to a long-term injury and remains optimistic about the Italian joining the club over other suitors.
A few clubs are seriously interested in signing Nicolo Zaniolo in this window and are making reasonable efforts to convince the player and Galatasaray. The Turkish giants hold the cards and remain protected by a €35 million release clause in the Italian’s contract, but they stay open to reducing their asking price.
The 24-year-old has ambitions to play in a bigger league and might have only joined Galatasaray to escape Roma last January. Many felt he could jump at the chance of a significant opportunity in the summer, which is why the Turkish side included a rather modest-looking release clause.
While genuine interest had remained, sporadic recent events got Aston Villa sniffing around for his signature. The Premier League side lost Emi Buendia to a long-term injury, and Unai Emery identified Zaniolo as the ideal replacement for the Argentine.
EXCL: Aston Villa submitted official bid for Nicoló Zaniolo 🚨🟣🔵 #AVFC
◉ €3m loan fee.
◉ Salary covered.
◉ €20m buy option clause.
◉ €7m add-ons up to potential €27m package in case Villa will buy Zaniolo.…still waiting for Gala’s final answer, frustration growing. pic.twitter.com/OubmehR7U6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
Fabrizio Romano detailed Aston Villa’s offer to Galatasaray. The deal included a €3 million loan fee, a €20 million buy option, and €7 million in bonuses. The Turkish side have yet to respond to the proposal, but Villa are growing in confidence Zaniolo will sign for them.
The report also outlines that Zenit St Petersburg have also made an offer and promised more money to the 24-year-old playmaker. On the other hand, Unai Emery continues to push towards finding an agreement with Zanioplo and remains intent on convincing the 24-year-old playmaker to join Aston Villa.
Hence, the Premier League side are confident about sealing the deal, but much will depend on Galatasaray’s response to their proposal. The Turkish side will take a slight risk in accepting a loan with a buy option, although Zaniolo has a long future ahead, which could protect their investment.
Ideally, he could sufficiently replace Buendia in Emery’s squad and showcase his talents at the biggest league in the world. While he remains open to the idea, the ball’s in Galatasaray’s court to give their green light to conclude this move.
